News Release

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Operation Summer Rescue yields 286 arrests and 10 rescues NR16253jh

Los Angeles: Human
trafficking continues to plague our society and victimize our
youth. The Los Angeles Police Department remains vigilant and
dedicated to fighting this crime. The Detective Support and Vice
Division, Human Trafficking Unit (HTU), has coordinated efforts
with multiple entities and continues its efforts with its most
recent "Operation Summer Rescue."

In partnership with the department's Internet Crimes Against
Children and geographic vice units, the Los Angeles Regional Human
Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation Innocence
Lost Task Force, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and
Los Angeles County Probation Department coordinated an operation
that focused on the rescue and recovery of commercially sexually
exploited children. The three night operation took place throughout
the City and County of Los Angeles beginning August 10, 2016, and
concluded in the early morning hours of August 13, 2016.

As a result of the large number of resources working during the
operational period, the efforts yielded 286 arrests, 153 for
prostitution and 133 for various offenses. Most notable were the 8
minors and 2 adults rescued who were being trafficked for the
purposes of commercial sex acts. The recovered minors were placed
in protective custody and have received assistance from the
Department of Children and Family Services. Non-governmental
agencies, such as Saving Innocence and the Dream Center, were also
on-hand to provide resources to victims.

Operation Summer Rescue was extremely successful due to the
cooperation and efforts of all of our partners. The significant
number of arrests sends a clear message to the community that Human
Trafficking is not tolerated.

Anyone with information on this crime or any other crimes related
to Human Trafficking, Pimping, and Pandering are asked to contact
the Los Angeles Police Department, Human Trafficking Unit at (800)
655-4095. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be
directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to
remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS
(800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting
to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell
phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD."
Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and
follow the prompts.